By Andrew Wilkins

LaFayette is starting its farmers market this weekend, and Ringgold’s market is kicking off its season with its wine and art market.

Farmers markets are an opportunity to support local agriculture and producers in a relaxed, community-oriented environment— and Northwest Georgia is blessed to have several.

Tomorrow, I’ll publish my interview with Samantha Leslie, executive director / market manager for Ringgold’s Rabbit Valley Farmers Market. She gives an update on what’s going with the market— and their work to expand opportunities for farmers and supporters of locally-produced food.

FRIDAY

Shop and Sip in downtown LaFayette is from 5 pm – 7 pm, with live music at the Mars Theater starting at 7:30 pm.

The Music at Mars Music Series is hosting a 90s night with two live bands: the HASBeeNS and B4Y2K.

Mars Stage, 502 Henderson St, LaFayette * 7 pm

SATURDAY

The LaFayette Farmers Market is kicking off its season Saturday with its Earth Day Market.

There’ll be over 40 local “makers, bakers, and farmers,” live music, an Earth Day themed bounce house, door prizes, and more.

A few vendors featured by the organizers:

“Honey Bee Hotdogs, Caribbean food, baked goods & treats, coffee, lemonade, teas, ice cream.”

Live music:

9 am – 11 am: Joe Coke

11 am – 1 pm: Reece Chambers

The community is also celebrating the first season under a pavilion purpose-built for the market. The ribbon cutting is at 8:45 am.

LaFayette Commons, 181 E Villanow St, LaFayette * 9 am – 1 pm * free

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Last year, 555 Clean Catoosa participants on 55 teams gathered over 4,000 pounds of trash across the county.

To participate this year, go here.

Countywide * TBA

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Later in the afternoon, the Rabbit Valley Farmers Market’s Wine and Art Market kicks off the market’s season. The first Rabbit Valley Farmers Market is May 3.

There’ll be 20 market vendors at the wine and art market, and a cash wine bar. Live music is from The Liquorsmith, and food is from Taco Theory.

The event benefits H*Art Gallery, a program that gives people from vulnerable communities an opportunity to paint and sell their art.

Rabbit Valley Farmers Market, 96 Depot St * 5 pm – 8 pm * free

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Farm to Fork continues their spring trend of bringing live music to Ringgold. On Saturday, Wandering Willows is performing their blend of Southern rock, classic rock, and outlaw country.

On Friday night, rock band White Noise performs.

Farm to Fork, 120 General Lee Dr, Ringgold * 8:30 pm * free

SUNDAY

As part of Georgia Winery‘s sip series, Sunday they’re hosting a Solve & Sip murder mystery adventure!

Their events are very popular, because it’s already sold out. Go here to keep up with their events throughout the season.

Georgia Winery hosts multiple tours on Saturdays and Sundays and one during the week. Go here for times.

Georgia Winery, 6469 Battlefield Pkwy, Ringgold * $20

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